Family Services Specialist I

Virginia Department of Social Services•Harrisonburg, VA

About The Position

This is a professional position for Foster Care. A Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/Adoption. Employees perform routine entry level casework activities, and the casework is usually reviewed by the Supervisor prior to implementing case action. The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter’s functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist.

Requirements

Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services field or a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services.
Some knowledge of social work principles and practices, human behavior and motivational theory, and social, economic, and health problems.
Knowledge of laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas and legal procedures as related to program area.
Skill in operating a motor vehicle.
Skill in operating a personal computer with associated software; preferably Microsoft Office.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client.
Demonstrated ability to investigate high risk cases.
Demonstrated ability to testify in court proceedings.
Demonstrated ability to make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.
Demonstrated ability to respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives.
Demonstrated ability to plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.
Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, OMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
May require after-hours on-call.
May require reporting for shelter duty during emergencies and/or disasters.
A sealed copy of college transcript must be provided prior to employment.
Requires valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license to include driving record that meets agency standard.

Nice To Haves

Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and/or a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license.
Prefer previous experience working with social work principles and practices.
Prefer experience with agency associated software.
Prefer experience in assigned program area and completion of required training programs.
Bilingual English/Spanish.
Experience as a family services specialist worker with a local social services agency providing direct services to children and families.
Work experience or an internship in a human services field.

Responsibilities

Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility.
Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned.
Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility.
Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests and support systems.
Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations and right to participate.
Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans.
Provides case management services to monitor compliance.
Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements.
Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility.
Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise.
Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.